Overview

A Summer Book Pick from Good Housekeeping, Parade, Library Journal, Goodreads, Liz and Lisa, and BookBub

In an enthralling new historical novel from national bestselling author Kate Quinn, two women—a female spy recruited to the real-life Alice Network in France during World War I and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—are brought together in a mesmerizing story of courage and redemption.

1947. In the chaotic aftermath of World War II, American college girl Charlie St. Clair is pregnant, unmarried, and on the verge of being thrown out of her very proper family. She's also nursing a desperate hope that her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared in Nazi-occupied France during the war, might still be alive. So when Charlie's parents banish her to Europe to have her "little problem" taken care of, Charlie breaks free and heads to London, determined to find out what happened to the cousin she loves like a sister.

1915. A year into the Great War, Eve Gardiner burns to join the fight against the Germans and unexpectedly gets her chance when she's recruited to work as a spy. Sent into enemy-occupied France, she's trained by the mesmerizing Lili, the "Queen of Spies", who manages a vast network of secret agents right under the enemy's nose.

Thirty years later, haunted by the betrayal that ultimately tore apart the Alice Network, Eve spends her days drunk and secluded in her crumbling London house. Until a young American barges in uttering a name Eve hasn't heard in decades, and launches them both on a mission to find the truth...no matter where it leads.

“Both funny and heartbreaking, this epic journey of two courageous women is an unforgettable tale of little-known wartime glory and sacrifice. Quinn knocks it out of the park with this spectacular book!”—Stephanie Dray, New York Times bestselling author of America's First Daughter

Product Details

About the Author

Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia.

Read an Excerpt

Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia.

First Chapter

Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia.

Table of Contents

Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia.

Reading Group Guide

Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia.

Interviews

Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia.

Recipe

Kate Quinn is a native of Southern California. She attended Boston University, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical voice. A lifelong history buff, she has written four novels in the Empress of Rome Saga and two books set in the Italian Renaissance detailing the early years of the infamous Borgia clan. All have been translated into multiple languages. She and her husband now live in Maryland with two black dogs named Caesar and Calpurnia.

Videos

The Alice Network

Editorial Reviews

“...Kate Quinn announces herself as one of the best artists of the genre. The plotting is seamless, the pace breathtaking, and the prose is both vivid and laced with just the right amount of details. Fans of historical fiction, spy fiction and thrilling drama will love every moment...”

BookPage

“In The Alice Network, the lives of two indomitable women intertwine in a plot crackling with suspense. We root for Charlie and Eve, and cheer when they triumph.”

NPR.org

“Superbly written, meticulously researched [...] At once a wartime drama, a woman’s coming of age, and a lesson on politics that resonates in today’s world, My Dear Hamilton is the book of the year.”

“Lovingly crafted and brimming with details, readers are sure to be held in Quinn’s grip watching as the characters evolve. Powerful reading you can’t put down!”

RT Book Reviews (top pick)

“Kate Quinn delivers an enthralling tale filled with breath-taking narrative that will make the reader feel as if they’re in the back of the roadster, riding along with the raucous Eve and courageous Charlie on their clandestine adventures. Suspenseful and engrossing, THE ALICE NETWORK is a must-read!”

Heather Webb

“Line for line, one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Loyal and brave, the women of THE ALICE NETWORK are brilliantly revealed by Kate Quinn’s exquisite storytelling and prose. I loved every word! A must read for fans of WWI and WWII fiction.”

Renee Rosen

“The Alice Network... perfectly balances a propulsive plot, faultlessly observed period detail, and a cast of characters so vividly drawn that I half expected to blink and see them standing in front of me. This is historical fiction at its best--thrilling, affecting, revelatory.”

Jennifer Robson

“Both funny and heartbreaking, this epic journey of two courageous women is an unforgettable tale of little-known wartime glory and sacrifice. Quinn knocks it out of the park with this spectacular book!”

Stephanie Dray

“A powerful story filled with daring and intrigue, The Alice Network will hook readers from the first page and take them on an unforgettable journey.”

Chanel Cleeton

“Kate Quinn strums the chords of every human emotion with two storylines that race over continents and through decades to converge in one explosive ending.”

Marci Jefferson

★ 06/01/2017In May 1947, Charlotte "Charlie" St. Clair and her mother have crossed the Atlantic so the unwed Charlie can discreetly end her pregnancy in a Swiss clinic. A chance to search for her beloved cousin Rose, who disappeared during World War II, gives Charlie the courage to break free and head to London. Rose may have been involved in the French Resistance, and her last known connection was a woman named Eve, who carries her own war secrets. Even with the background detail given at the novel's outset, there is so much more to learn as these characters are thoughtfully developed through interior decision making and the actions they take. Allowing Charlie to describe present events, while Eve shares her experience as an English spy for the real-life Alice Network during World War I, creates a fascinating tension that intensifies as the finale approaches. VERDICT A compelling blend of historical fiction, mystery, and women's fiction, Quinn's ("Empress of Rome" series) complex story and engaging characters have something to offer just about everyone. [See "Summer Escapes," LJ 5/15/17.]—Stacey Hayman, Rocky River P.L., OH

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

I had not heard of The Alice Network prior to reading this excellent story. Brave women who deserve great praise and respect. There have been a number of stories lately about occupied France and I am learning a lot. I have already recommended this book, before I finished and definately will continue. JDL 7/14/17

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I could not put this book down. It is well written and keeps you wanting to stay up all night to find out what happens next. My daughters, her friend and my Mother are all reading it at the same time. We were hooked from the first few pages. Then to find out it is based on true events, taken from people who fought in WW1 and woven into this wonderful book. These characters who are so different but blend in perfect harmony was one of the best books I've read in a long time.

Anonymous

11 months ago

Its been a while since a book has really held my attention,but this one certainly did! I enjoy well written historical fiction especially when they are about women. I look forward.to reading another by Kate Quinn.

Anonymous

12 months ago

Incredible historical fiction. Could not put it down.

gaele

More than 1 year ago

A dual-perspective story blends two tales: the first of Charlie who, in 1947 is pregnant, unmarried, and while in Europe to remedy that situation at her parents’ behest, decides to discover just what happened to a beloved cousin who disappeared in Nazi-Occupied France and the tale of Eve, joining the fight against the Germans as a trained operative in a female-heavy spy network, The Alice Network, until treachery brought its downfall.
Fascinating reading as Quinn gives us Charlie’s story: the death of her brother brought the whole family low: and reignited her questions about her cousin Rose and just how (or why) she disappeared in German-occupied France during the second world war. Deciding to find answers to her questions despite her parents’ plans for her trek to Europe unlocks a series of twists, turns and strange parallels between the young student and the now middle-aged former spy Eve.
A series of betrayals and surprises brought the unlikely Eve to the place she is now. Nearly a recluse, bitter and disillusioned, she also has questions about the end of the Alice network, and perhaps some of those answers and her own experience will help Charlie solve the mystery of Rose’s disappearance. With her only regular human contact being her ‘man of all things’ Finn, the three set out to find answers and uncover secrets long buried.
Charlie’s story is told in first person, Eve’s in third: the strange correlations that keep popping up between the two in terms of life experience and losses. With one of Charlie’s only clues being a man named René and a restaurant become the impetus for Eve’s teaming up with Charlie to find answers. Oh the twists, turns and bits of information and history dropped throughout this book are wonderful: some heartbreaking, others using humor, all highlighted by the sense of purpose and determination displayed by Eve, her compatriots and others working to resist the threats. Spy stories are obsession worthy – they usually have everything: drama, intrigue, danger and enemies: hard to resist that combination. But Quinn did one more thing here: she brought us characters that are flawed yet wholly human, determined to finally get answers, some long overdue: while billed as a search for Charlie’s cousin, what emerges even more strongly is the rediscovered courage, pride and purpose for both Charlie and Eve as they unravel the knots to get to answers, settle questions and tell stories of courage, danger and betrayals of the past.
Perfect for readers who want a perspective from history that is not well-known, Kate Quinn’s skills in making the transitions from factual inclusions told in a fictional character’s voice are unparalleled: each informing the other as the tension, emotion and information are revealed.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Anonymous

10 months ago

What an incredible book! Historical fiction at it's best! Reminded me of Kristen Hannah's "The Nightingale".

Anonymous

8 days ago

This book was well written and so very interesting. The back and forth between the 2 womaen, and the 2 wars was handled smoothly and effectively. I had no idea about this brave group of women. Amazing research went into this beautifully woven tale.

Anonymous

11 days ago

Excellent read! I was not aware of the Alice Network and didn't realize towards the end of the book that it really was based on some actual events. Very well written and keeps you drawn in!

Anonymous

11 days ago

Excellent read! I was not aware of the Alice Network and didn't realize towards the end of the book that it really was based on some actual events. Very well written and keeps you drawn in!

Anonymous

17 days ago

Excellent. Loved the writing, learned many aspects of the war and spy's that I didn't know before. Courageous women.

KrittersRamblings

7 months ago

Check out the full review at Kritters Ramblings
If you have been following me for a bit, you know that I love me some historical fiction and the big reason I love this is because I get to learn something without feeling like learning something.
Two storylines going on in this story, but this one felt different as neither of the two are present day, one is 1915 and Eve Gardiner is the main character as she is trying to survive a war and finds a purpose for her life working in an interesting spot in the war and the other storyline is 1947 and Eve Gardiner is present, but the main character is Charlie St. Clair and she is trying to find her lost cousin as the war has ended.

nhr3bookcrazyNR

9 months ago

I very much enjoyed this book. It caught me up in the story right from the very first page, and had me hanging on with bated breath to see each character's story unfold. It was amazing how the story went back and forth between the WWI and WWII story lines and, at the same time, wove them into one another. Very clever. A real winner.

Anonymous

10 months ago

Anonymous

11 months ago

Enough said.

bookchickdi

11 months ago

Kate Quinn's The Alice Network deals with female spies, but is set in WWI and the aftermath of WWII. Young, pregnant and unmarried in 1947, Charlie is traveling with her mother to Switzerland to end her pregnancy. She makes a detour in London to search for her cousin who has been missing for three years in France.
Charlie finds Eve, a middle-aged woman, who is drunk, angry and has a gun. Charlie convinces Eve and Eve's Scottish driver/assistant Finn to help her find her cousin. Eve reluctantly helps, but she has an ulterior motive- she wants to find the man who tortured her during WWI and kill him.
The story shifts in time to WWI, where Eve is working as a spy in France with the Alice Network, run efficiently by Lili, a small woman of large talents. Eve works as a waitress in a restaurant frequented by Nazis, where she is able to gain information useful to the British government.
But getting this is information comes at a high price for Eve. She becomes involved with a French collaborator, and this relationship will haunt her for the rest of her life.
The Alice Network is a pulse-pounding read. Eve's mission is dangerous, and she and Lili risk their lives more than once. The Alice Network is based on true events- there was an actual Alice Network, a spy ring run by women in France. The characters are brilliantly drawn, and although both stories are intriguing, Eve's story is truly astonishing. I can't get her out of my mind.

Caroles_Random_Life

More than 1 year ago

This was an excellent novel. I found myself really getting hooked by this book more and more as I read. I knew that I wanted to read this book as soon as I read the summary. Historical fiction that focuses on female spies during World War I was just too interesting to pass up. It did take me a little bit to really get into the story but once I did there was no looking back. I am so glad that I decided to pick up this wonderful book.
This book is told in two different timelines. The first timeline is in 1947 just a few years after World War II and the second timeline takes place during World War I in 1915. So many times when a book is laid out in this manner, I find myself enjoying one timeline more than the other. That was not the case at all with this book. The shifts between the time periods flowed remarkably well. There was never a time where I wished the book would stay in either timeline a little longer. I was really very equally interested in both times and I thought that the way they worked together was flawless.
The characters in this book were amazing. Charlie is the first character that makes an appearance and she is the focus of the 1947 timeline. She is young but very smart and I thought she had a lot of spunk. Eve is really the star of this book. She is the character that brings the two timelines together. She is the focus of the 1915 time period and her character plays a very important role in 1947. I think that seeing the changes in her over time really added a lot to the story. I also really enjoyed Finn, Lili, and Violette. Everyone in this story plays an important role and each of the characters felt very realistic.
I loved that this book really made me feel for the characters. This story is set during two very rough periods of time historically. There were points in the story that I really felt the character's fear, uncertainty, and frustrations. Some parts of the book were heartbreaking and terrifying. I also liked that the book took a positive turn and ended with hope. There is even a bit of romance that really worked well for me.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical fiction. This story took a subject that I knew very little about and brought it to life. I am completely impressed by this book and will be checking out other novels written by Kate Quinn soon.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from William Morrow Paperbacks via Edelweiss.

booknerdDS

More than 1 year ago

I wish my words were sophisticated enough to give this book the review it deserves! I absolutely loved this book. I can't help think how serendipitous it is that this book is published a few days after the movie "Wonder Woman" broke so many records. Quinn brings to life the characters and I think more importantly give women the voice and acknowledgement that way too often they are not given in the shaping of history! Often we hear about the complexities of spies in WWI and II but how many of us know the involvement of women. That the most successful spies answered to a women?Definitely not I . We need more authors like Quinn who gives us the her-story that we often are cheated from! Quinn's details are a testament to the amount of research she did for this book. This is a must read-does not disappoint!

Deb-Krenzer

More than 1 year ago

Wow, just realized as I'm going to write this review that this book was 516 pages. I knew it was lengthy (good $$ value, if it's good!), but it does not seem like I actually read that many pages. Even better - I was mesmerized.
I was so into this book. These women were phenomenal in how and what they did. And, the author did a great job depicting every scene. I really felt like I was there. My hands would sweat right along with the characters, hoping upon hope that they did not get caught.
The characters - Eve cracked me up. She did not take any crap from anyone while on the road with Charlie and Finn. She was on a mission and she was going to make it happen. A crusty character who can really talk anyone into doing anything.
I know this is a good book. Over Memorial Day weekend I had several people ask me what good book I've read lately and . . . this one took the prize. It is a story that has and will remained with me and the fact that it is based on a true story only makes it that much better!
Thanks to William Morrow and Edelweiss for their approvals so that I could read the e-galley and provide this honest, unbiased review.

mamalovestoread22

More than 1 year ago

Charlie has found herself in quite a predicament, one that her parents have a perfect solution for, she on the other hand disagrees, so rather than doing what is expected of her, she flees for London, to find her missing cousin. Where she winds up connecting with Eve, a woman who she is sure can help her find Rose, her missing cousin. Eve is a spy and has deep connections, ones that may make it easier to find Rose. From there the story alternates between two time period's following these brave ladies on their trying journeys, and with each page you turn you will pulled deeper into their worlds, and left completely astounded by all they both endured.
This beautifully crafted story pulled me in from the first page, and took me on a literary escape unlike any other I have ever experienced before. It moved me beyond words, monopolized my every thought, and left me in awe of Ms. Quinn's literary talents! I have to say this is one of the best books that I have had the pleasure of reading this year, and one that I encourage everyone to pick up and read... it will take you on an unforgettable literary escape!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this title.

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